Method of forming movably coupled members



June 5, 1951 L. H. MORIN METHOD OF FORMING MOVABLY COUPLED MEMBERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Dec. 28, 1943 Wxy INVENTOR.

Lou/5 H. Moe/1v June 5, 1951 L. H. MORIN METHOD OF FORMING MOVABLY COUPLED MEMBERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Origifial Filed Dec. 28, 1943 INVENTOR. Lou/s hf NOR/N Patented June 5, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD OF FORMING MOVABLY COUPLED MEMBERS 6 Claims.

This invention relates to the formation of die cast bodies including integral pintle or pin portions.

More particularly, the invention relates to the production of such bodies in united relationship to each other and, for example, in the production of such articles of manufacture as link chains, and, further, to the novel method 'of'producing articles of manufacture of the class ence characters in each of the views and in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through a die diagrammatically illustrating the method of forming successive castings and indicating the die, parts in open position in dotted lines.

- Fig, 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, showing parts of the castings in elevation and other parts in section and omitting parts shown inF-ig. l.

- Fig. 3 is a partial section on the line 33 of Fig. 2, showing only one of the die parts. @flFigs. 4 and 5 are views similar to Fig. 3, the sections being on the lines 4-4 and 5-5 of Fig, 2.

vFig. 6 is a perspective view of a short length of. chain made in accordance with the method and by the dies illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inelusive.

Fig. '7 is a diagrammatic exploded view, showing'a modified form of die structure with the casting disposed therebetween.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a few links of chain formed in accordance with the teachings of-Fig. 7 and on the same general principles as taught in Figs. 1 and 2. niaFig. 9 is" a perspective view of another form of'links made according to the method generally outlined in Figs, 1, 2 and -'7.

a Fig. 10 is a side and sectional detailed view of a-linkage substantially the same as that shown in-Fig. 9, but showing a further modification.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 showing another form of link.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing another form of link; and

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Figs. 10 and 11 showing another type of link construction.

This application constitutes a division of my prior application Ser. No. 515,883; filed December fl lflii new atured into rates!) Np, gwaszi.

In the construction of pivotally or swingably coupled bodies of various kinds and classes, it has been-the practice to join the pivot or hinge portions of the bodies by pins or similar elements commonly referred to as pivots, Dintl'es and the like. In such cases, the pins or pivots have-been in the form of separate members secured to or coupled with the parts to be pivoted together or hingedly coupled.

It is the purpose of my invention to simplify the construction of coupled members or bodies of the kind under consideration and, particularly, where it is desirable to permanently couple the members or bodies, to die cast at least one of the bodies with a pivot or pintle portion ar-, ranged within a companion body, so that the resulting bodies are united inthe casting opera: tion. This method of procedure, in addition to forming simply two bodies which are swingably or pivotally united, also makes it possible to produce multiple link bodies, for example, in the production of link chains.

For purposes of illustrating one adaptation of the invention, I have shown in the accompanying drawings a few types of linkages in the construction of link chains. These illustration are given simply to convey the general adaptability of the invention to the production of articles of manufacture of the kind under consideration, wherein the chain links are not only formed, but automatically produced in assembled relationship to each other in the successive casting operations of the machine.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing is diagrammatically shown two die parts l5l6 for the formation of die cast link bodies I! in the injection of casting material from a nozzle 18, note Fig. 2, through a gate IS on the parting line of the dies into the impression or cavity 20 formed on adjacent surfaces of the dies, At this time, it will be well to point out that in forming the several castings, the castings may be formed from metal or metal alloys, or may be formed from plastic materials.

Before proceeding to define the die structure, it will be well to describe the structure of each castmember or body H, which in the construction shown, constitutes a link of a chain. Each body has a central solid cylindrical portion 2|, at one end of which is a projecting tongue 22, having a rounded outer surface, as seen at 23, and an aperture 24, passing through the central portion of the tongue and in which is arranged a flanged bushing 25. The tongue 22 is arranged centrally of the cylindrical portion 2! and the 3 side walls 26 thereof are continuous with the side walls of the body portion 2|. Thickness of the tongue 22 is approximately one-third of the diameter of the cylindrical portion 2|.

The other end of the cylindrical body 2| is yoke-shaped or fork-shaped in form, as a result of parallel outer arms 21 formed as continuations of the cylindrical portion 2|. Between the arms 21 is a recess 28 greater in width than the thickness of the tongue 22, as will be clearly seen upon a consideration of. Fig. 2 of the drawing, The two arms 21 are joined by an integral pin or pintle portion 29 arranged within the recess 28 substantially centrally thereof and so as to support the tongue 22 of a companion link body 11 freely within the recess 28, it being understood that the pin or pintle 29 is arranged within the bushing 25 of the tongue 22 of said companion link.

,In Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings are shown thecontours ofdie l5 and, as die 16 is of the same construction, the brief description of one will apply to'both. At 30 is shown the cavity pcrtion,-'in1which the} tongue 22 is formed. This cavityportion has a 'pin'or stud member 3 I, upon whichythe bushing 25'is arranged in any desired manner, prior to the casting operation. In other words, the bushing amounts to an insert in the diecavity 20 and is preferably in the form of a bushing member having properties which will be desirable from'a standpoint of wear. In a metallic casting, the bushing will be of a harder 'bearing-metal' or, in some instances, might be a fiber, whereas in the plastic castings, fiber or metallic bushings of any suitable type and kind can be employed. As a matter of fact, a bushing pf 'a-plastic material, which would be harder or present'a'better wearing surface than the plastic employed in the casting, also may be used.

At "32 is shownthecavity in which the cylindri- 'cal portion "2| is formed and at'33 is shown the cavity for forming the arms 21. In this latter cavity is an inwardly protruding portion 34, note 'Fig. 4', aperture'd as seenat 35 to form the pin or pintle :29. The'projection 34 has a web or fin portionS B. The'pa'rts 34-36 collectively form the recess 28'between the arms 21 and around the tongue portion-22 of the companion pre-cast body -I '1, as will clearly appear from a consideration of Fig. 20f the drawing.

Arranged and movably supported between the adjacent surfaces of the dies l5-l6 and extending into the cavity 30 is a pin or shaft 38, upon which each casting is formed. This pin or shaft performsthree distinct operations. First, it suppoitsthe'casting'in the operation of separating the dies or moving them into the dotted line position'indicated in Fig.1'of the drawing and, in this-sense, becomesan ejector. Secondly, it is utilized to move the casting relatively to the dies to position thesame' in the cavity 33 and, thirdly, to rotate the casting so as to bring the tongue 22 ina position atright angles to the casting position and, thus, 'toiac'i'litate formation of the'pin or'pintleportion 29 within the aperture 24 or the bushing arranged in said aperture, as will clearly appear from a consideration of Fig. 2 of the drawing. In this position, the pre-formed casting 'has its tongue'22 arranged at'right angles to the tongue of the upper castingshown as being 'formedin and between the dies.

This supports the pre-cast body IT'against "displacement from lustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawing. I have found from experience that, in casting the pin or pintle portion 29 within the aperture 24 or the bushing 25 in said aperture, in cooling there is a shrinkage of the pin or pintle 2Q sufiiciently to provide a very snug but yet free coupling between the link bodies. At this time, it is also well to point out that the .use of bushings is not absolutely essential and, in many articles of manufacture, the

bushings can be dispensed with'and the pin or pintle portions cast directly within and to fit snugly within the apertures of the companion member or body.

In Fig. l of the drawing, I have shownzat 4| what might be regarded as a dummy used in the initial casting operation or, in other words, in forming the first member or body l1. This dummy or filler-piece 4! has the general contour of the upper portion of one of the castings, that is to say, the tongue 22 including the bushing 25 therein and the cylindrical body 2|. It will 'be preferably composed of two parts split along the axis of the pintle 29 so as to facilitate quick detachment from the first link formed.

In Fig. '7 of the drawing is diagrammatically illustrated parts of two dies 42 and 43 used in the formation of modified forms of link merribers or bodies 44. The members or bodies 44, instead ofbeing cylindrical inform, are generally in the form .of a rectangular'plate 45, which forms the central body portion similar to the body 2| and onone side of which is an apertured and hushed tongue M5 and,at'the other side, a pair of projecting and spaced arms 41 joined by a pin or pintle portion'48. InFig. '7, the parting line surface of die 42 is shown in perspective and, as the surface of dies 52 and 43 are the same, the brief description of one will apply to both.

The mold cavity or impression has a cavity 49 for forming the tongue '46, a cavity '50 for forming the body and arms 41, a projecting portion 5| in cavity 50 for forming the recess around pintle 48 and having in it recesses 52, wherein the pintle of the next successive link is formed. On thesurface of the die is a gate passage 53'for admitting casting material to the die cavity and a core pin passage 54 for receiving a horizontal core pin 55 On which the insert bushing 56 is arranged, prior to the casting operation. With this construction, the core forming stud members 3| of the construction shown in Figs. 1-6 are dispensed with, as is also the rod or shaft 38; The core .55 .is used to shift the castings and, in'this construction, rotation of the castings is not necessary, in that all of the tongue mernbers 46 remain in alinement, as will appear from a consideration of Fig. 8 of the drawing.

Thev dies 42-43 have a gate recess 51 for receiving the gate 58 of a pre-formed casting when the same is shifted into the lower position (Fig. 7) in the die cavity preparatory to the casting of the next successive link. In the impression 50 is arranged a supporting plate 59 which is adapted t'OJengage the lower surfacefifl of the body 45 "between the 8.1112541, to hold the pro-formed casting in the lower portion of the die cavity, when the dies are partially closed, as they are in stripping the core pin 55 from the casting and moving the same into alinement with the recess 54 preparatory to receiving another bushing insert 56 and the next successive casting to be formed.

In Fig. 9 of the drawing is shown another modification in the formation of the link body. All reference to the dies are omitted, in that it will be apparent from a consideration of Figs. 1, 2 and '7 just what type of die structure would be necessary in forming these link bodie 6|. The method of making the link bodies 6| differs from that used in making the bodies 44 primarily because the former are cast in an inverted position relative to the latter, that is to say, with the parallel spaced arms 62 arranged upwardly instead of downwardly and with a thicker tongue 63 arranged downwardly instead of upwardly. The central rectangular plate portion 64 is otherwise substantially the same as the plate portion 45. In this construction, the apertures having the bushings 65 therein are formed in the arms 62 by a core pin similar to the core pin 55, but extending entirely across the dies to enter both cavities employed for formin the arm 62 or, if desired, independent core pins can be used on each side of the dies, thus minimizing the stroke in stripping the core pins from the castings, as will be apparent. With this construction, instead of forming a pin or pintle between the arms 62, projecting pin or pintle members 66 are formed at opposite sides of the tongue member 63 and of suflicient length so as to bring the outer surfaces 61 of the pin members 66 flush with, or substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the arms 62 or the bushings 65 therein. With the link bodies 6|, the arms 62 of one body fit and operate in recesses 68 formed at opposite sides of the tongue 63 and beneath the plate 64 and are disposed within said recesses.

. In Fig. 10 of the drawing is shown a slight modification of the construction shown in Fig. 9.

The only difference is that, in Fig. 10, the separate link bodies 69 or the tongue portions 10 thereof have projecting pintle pins H which include integral heads 12 at their outer ends and disposed outwardly of the spaced arms 13, as will clearly appear. In the apertures of the arm 13 arearranged bushings 14. In this construction knurled bushings are employed, the knurling being used to retain the bushings against displacement.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 6, flange bushings are shown, but it will be understood that any means may be employed to key or retain the bushings against displacement or movement within the casting bodies except as and when it would be desirable to allow these bushings to move within the castings.

In Fig. 11 of the drawing is shown a slight modification of the construction illustrated in Fig. 8. Here the link bodies 15 have tongue portions *16 with tapered bushings 11 therein, or a tapered hole formed in the tongue portions. The spaced arms 18 are joined by a tapered pin 19, thus providing a limited movement of the tongue portion 16 of each body on the pin or pintle 19,

particularly in the direction of the arrow an of said figure. This embodiment of the invention shows the use of tapered pintles, or pintles with tapered portions thereon.

In Fig. 12 is shown a modification of the construstion strewn in Fla 6 and litters therefrom all) primarily in providing links 8| having a central ball or sphere-like body 82 instead of the cylindrical body 2|, the ball or sphere having the projectin tongue 83 at one end similar to the tongue 22 and the spaced arms 84 at the other end similar to the arms 21. The arms'84 have the integral pintle 85, which passes through the bushed aperture 86 of the tongue 83.

In Fig. 13 of the drawing is shown a modification which might be regarded as one-half of the shown in Fig. 10 of the drawing, or in other words, a half-like construction. Here each link body 81 comprises simply offset end portions 88 and 89, the end portion 88 having at one side a projecting headed pin 90, similar to the pin 1|. Whereas the end portion 89 has a bushed aperture 9| for receiving the pin 98. With this construction, the heads 92 of the pins 90 serve to maintain the links against separation. These heads might be of any desired contour.

In all of the constructions disclosed, it will :be understood that chain links of predetermined dimensions, or comprising a predetermined number of link members or bodies can be made in a successive number or series of casting operations. Aside from trimming operations, for removal of the gate portions and plating or other finishing operations which might be desirable, substantially finished products are produced in one series of operations of the machineemployed.

In some instances, only two of the members are united in forming a single product. In other cases, short lengths are produced in manufacturing such things as bracelets. In the chain uses of the invention, the product may be made as other chains are made, in long pieces and, when sold, out ofi to required lengths. However, when large quantities of chains of a given length are desired, the cycle of operations can be so controlled and timed as to produce these given lengths by automatically controlling the number of successive castings formed and the periodic insertion of the dummy or filler-pieces, as for example, the filler-piece 4|. Similar dummies or filler-pieces would be used in the construction of the several types of link bodies shown in Figs. 8 to 13 inclusive.

In formin the several castings and, in moving the casting from its casting station to the station for receiving the next successive casting, a suitable lubricant may be sprayed into the aperture or socket portion prior to casting the pin or pintle therein. Where this aperture or socket is formed by the core pin, as with the structures shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, the spraying of the lubricant will take place after the core pin has been removed and while the dies are still in a partially closed position. A suitable spray nozzle or jet will be moved into and out of the path of the dies in accomplishing this result.

The various links disclosed, with the exception of that illustrated in Fig. 13, may be said to have tongue portions at one end and socket portions at the other end for receiving the tongue portions of adjacent links. The sockets are formed by the U-shaped ends of the links. In this sense, the interfittin tongue and groove or socket portions are coupled together by pins or pintles which are integral with one of said portions. For example, in Figs. 1 and 2, the pintles are integral with the socket portions, whereas in Figs. 9 and 10, the pintles are integral with the tongue portions.

In all of the constructions disclosed, a pin or pinue sta i n is east within an aper ure or socket or within a bushing .thatmay be supported "in this aperture or socket to'iorm a wearing surface therein. The shrinkage of the pinor can have specific contour fitting a pre-iormed contour in the socket portion,.or iniadding other functions or uses to thepin 'or. shaft portion. From acontour standpoint, the taperedlpjin of Fig. 11 is one illustration. Further illustrations -of-contourare found in Figs. 10.,and 13, in 'which figuresthe ends include headsand, furthermore,

the pins 90, where they join the end 88 of the link are flared or filtered, as at 93, to give'added strength to said pins.

I claim:

1. The herein described method of forming the dies and moving said link into a diflerent position between said dies, then closing the dies and casting thenext adjacentlink with a pinireceiving-portionand an integral pintle cast in the pin-receiving "portion of the first link, re- 'peating this operation to produce a required number of links of a chain in a successive series ofjdie casting operations, and rotatably shifting the positionof the link during movement thereof into said different position between the dies. iZLThB herein described vmethod of forming chains from a series of similar die .cast links coupled against displacement and movable relatively toeach'other, which comprises first casting one .link between relatively movabledies with anapertured portion ,therein, thensseparating the dies and movingsaidlink intoa different positionbetween said dies, rotating the link to ,aposition 90 .with respectto the cast position thereof,..then closingthe dies and casting the next adjacent link with an apertured portion and an integral .pintle portion cast .in the aperture of .the first link, and repeating this operation to produce a required-number of links of a chain in a successiveseries of die casting operations.

3. The herein described method of forming permanently coupled and relatively movable die castmembers, which comprises the-steps of first :die .castingrone member between-1a pair of relaativelymovable diesand forming onsaid member ranapertured portion and a pin portion, then sep- :arating the dies and moving said member into a differentposition-betweenthe same dies with the apertured portion .of :said memberarranged at right angles to the castposition thereof, closingthedies on said re-positionedmember and casting a second-member with the pin portion thereof ,cast'within'the apertured portion of the first member to provide between said intercast'mempersj'a movable coupling.

4. Aconti-nuous method of' forming permanentiy coupled and'relatively movable diecast imembers by'means ofapair'of relativelyymovable dies which comprises die casting in one casting step :amember with an upper apertured' tongue portion and :a lower pin-connected fork portion, freeing the memberjor movement byseparating -the:dies, lowering the member in the space between :the

dies;:rotating said member in said space toiapesition substantially 90 degrees removed from its first position, closing-the :dies around the member preparatory to coupling another member thereto, casting a second andidentical member above said first member with the fork portionnf the second member ,over the tongue portion of the first member andconnected:theretoby virtue of said pin being cast Within and through :said

aperture, freeing .xsaid first and secondimembers for movement .by separating the .dies,. lower ns said last-mentioned members in the :space abetween the dies, rotating said members .in said space substantially 90 degrees, closing -the vzdies around said second membenand casting ;a:thir,d and identical member on said second membertin the same manner as the secondmember was cast on the first member.

5. A continuous method of forming permanently coupled and relatively movabl die castimembers which comprises die casting in one casting step a member with an apertured tongueportion and a pin-connected fork portion, freeing the member for movement by separatingthe dies, moving the member in the space between the dies to a position substantially 90 degrees removed from its first position, closing the .dies around the member preparatory to coupling another member thereto, and casting a second and identical member adjacent said first member with the fork portion of the second member-engaging the tongue portion of the first member and connected cast within 'in the spacebetween the dies to a positionsiib- REFERENCES CIT-ED The following references are of record in -t-he file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,449,053 Pack Mar.120,.=t923 1,464,526 Gutman Aug. 14,:1-923 1,522,787 Meier .Jan. :1925 1,908,086 Urch ..May .9, .1933 2,201,024 Brown May..14,,l940

2,243,062 Anderson r May .27, "19.41 

